One window system aims to ‘uplift’ tourism in Nagaland | MorungExpress

State policy on the development of tourist infrastructure and services

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 21

Touted as one of the most critical aspects and approaches to ‘take the tourism sector to the next level’, the state Tourism Department is planning to introduce the ‘Nagaland Tourism Department Single Window System (NTSW)’.

According to the Nagaland Tourism Policy (NTP) 2024, this system can be implemented by using Information Technology (IT) as a means to integrate all tourism-related processes of the department under a single platform.

This will facilitate and monitor all tourism-related activities in Nagaland through a single online, mobile app-based integrated end-to-end platform, the report said.

The system will, among other things, register all tourism-related businesses – guesthouses, tour operators, experience providers, etc. – with the ministry and regulate or monitor their activities.

Tourists can easily access all information, plan and book trips completely online, easily and conveniently, while it would be “ease of doing business” for tourism-based entrepreneurs, the NTP said.

Accurate tourism, e-Governance solution, facilitation and improved revenue generation are some of the benefits mentioned.
The NTSW is among the hosts of the development of tourism infrastructure and services envisioned by the NTP to boost tourism in Nagaland.

In addition, the NTP called for the enactment of the Nagaland Registration of Tourist Trade Act to provide for regulation and promotion of tourism through registration of persons dealing with tourists and other related matters to ensure coordinated and regulated development of the sector to ensure.

Facilitation and accommodation
The state policy also suggested setting up proper tourist facilitation facilities at all entry points into the state, noting that the “first impression” of a visitor is largely based on the facilities available at airports, railway and bus stations.

These points are especially important because permits are required to enter the state, the report said.

It will be the policy of the state to provide transportation services, information counters, telephone and internet facilities, etc. that will help create a tourist-friendly atmosphere, the NTP said.

Meanwhile, noting that hotels are an essential part of tourism infrastructure, the NTP said the state would seek to prepare a list of government-approved or registered hotels and lodges under the State Tourist Trade Act.

These entities are expected to function within the laid down norms/guidelines of the government and are subject to regular inspections by a committee comprising the Ministry of Tourism, Food and Sanitation, and the police, the committee said.

These approved hotels will be featured in all publications of the ministry both in print and electronic media in India and abroad and will be eligible for incentives announced by the government from time to time, it added to.

The NTP also plans to introduce homestays or special paying guests at some selected places or villages to provide affordable and hygienic accommodation to both domestic and foreign tourists.

The selection of such places will be based on the needs and tourism potential of the place. Appropriate regulatory guidelines will be put forward in this regard, it added.

Reputed private entrepreneurs from outside the state will also be encouraged in setting up and managing high quality and standard tourism infrastructure on a joint venture basis, it added.

It further asserted that all tourist lodges in the districts and sub-divisions should not be rented out to any sources or agencies.

Transport and inland waterways
The NTP noted that in the absence of other modes of transport within Nagaland such as railways, waterways etc, the state needs a huge boost in development of transport infrastructure.

The ministry aims to address this by providing convenient transportation options such as coaches and taxis for tourists, whose services are largely operated by out-of-state companies, leading to revenue outflow, the ministry said.

Accordingly, in order to strengthen the tourism transportation sector, the NTP stated that the Ministry through NIDC, NEDFI etc. aims to introduce suitable programs to encourage private tour operators/travel agents to operate tourist taxis/coaches etc. within the state.

The government could also consider the possibility of purchasing high-quality tourist vehicles and minibuses on a subsidized model, which could be operated by locally registered tourism companies.

It was also emphasized that competitive pricing policies should be implemented and efforts should be made to regulate such practices in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The NTP also noted that the development of inland waterways for tourism in Nagaland offers a wide range of opportunities and provides a sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to develop tourism.

To this end, the department would endeavor to identify suitable rivers or water bodies for the development of inland waterways for guided boat tours and collaborate with technical and environmental experts to design sustainable and environmentally friendly waterway routes.

Tour operators and agents
The NTP also plans to grant special licenses to tour operators/travel agents registered with the Tourism Department in the interest of promoting tourism.

These travel agents and tour operators will receive all possible support from the state government for accommodation, transportation, travel permits, contacts etc. and will be eligible for all incentives from the state government, the report said.

Barrier-free access
To ensure inclusivity in tourism, the state will prioritize making tourism destinations accessible to people of different abilities and the elderly, a growing group of travel consumers, the NTP said.

This means that barrier-free designs should be included in all centrally funded infrastructure projects, both indoors and outdoors.

Staff training will emphasize treating individuals courteously and efficiently, providing comprehensive information on available services and facilitating access to non-accessible services, including sign language training guides, it added.

Moreover, the policy aims to develop state tourism circuits by connecting key locations across borders with other circuits.

Leveraging social media for inspiring content and engagement is also part of the marketing strategy, while educational and familiarization trips for travel agents and tour operators will be organized to showcase Nagaland’s diversity first-hand, the report said.

Participation in international travel fairs and exhibitions will be pursued annually to increase visibility and engagement, the NTP said.